The Western, set in Mississippi in 1858, stars Jamie Foxx and Leonardo DiCaprio and has attracted criticism for its repeated use of racial slurs.

The moviemaker has also been accused of a lack of sensitivity, but Tarantino is adamant the uproar is good news as it means his fellow Americans are finally able to discuss their nation's controversial past.

He tells Channel 4 News: "I don't think you can actually make a movie about slavery in America that is not going to be controversial... Oh, I couldn't be happier with the reaction to this movie, it's been fantastic. It's creating a nice debate. Even the people who don't like the film are actually (discussing the issue).

"I am responsible for people talking about slavery in America in a way they have not in 30 years... There is actually a dialogue going on about slavery right now that has not been happening at all. It's a subject people are afraid to talk about, and now because of this movie people aren't afraid to talk about it. People are talking about it."

Django Unchained has been criticised by music mogul L.A. Reid, who slammed Tarantino's lack of sensitivity in handling racial themes, and fellow moviemaker Spike Lee, who vowed never to watch it because of the controversial language.